ADHD Disorder Information Summary

ADHD Disorder Information Summary: Summarize information on ADHD disorder. Make sure to include the NINDS web address and any other web addresses of where you got your information. Make sure to type out the http address rather than using a link.
CCNS Course Learning Outcomes:
3. Identify the biological influences on behavior.
11. Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays about topics related to psychology.
13. Analyze, evaluate, and apply written material related to the study of psychology.
Psychology Department Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Recognize content as specified by the American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major.
GT-SS3: Critical Thinking
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
“Students should be able to:
1. Explain an Issue
a. Use information to describe a problem or issue and/or articulate a question related to the topic.
2. Utilize Context
a. Evaluate the relevance of context when presenting a position.
5. Understand Implications and Make Conclusions
a. Establish a conclusion that is tied to the range of information presented.
b. Reflect on implications and consequences of stated conclusion.”

ADHD Disorder Information Summary-What research is being done?

Several components of the NIH support research on developmental disorders such as ADHD. Research programs of the NINDS, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seek to address unanswered questions about the causes of ADHD, as well as to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Information from the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Definition

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3-5 percent of all American children. It interferes with a person’s ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate inhibition (cognitive alone or both cognitive and behavioral). Some of the warning signs of ADHD include failure to listen to instructions, inability to organize oneself and school work, fidgeting with hands and feet, talking too much, leaving projects, chores and homework unfinished, and having trouble paying attention to and responding to details. There are several types of ADHD: a predominantly inattentive subtype, a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype, and a combined subtype. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although the condition can continue into the adult years.

 

Treatment

 

The usual course of treatment may include medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), which are stimulants that decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the generic versions of Strattera (atomoxetine) to treat ADHD in pediatric and adult individuals. Most experts agree that treatment for ADHD should address multiple aspects of the individual’s functioning and should not be limited to the use of medications alone. Treatment should include structured classroom management, parent education (to address discipline and limit-setting), and tutoring and/or behavioral therapy for the child.

Prognosis

There is no “cure” for ADHD. Children with the disorder seldom outgrow it; however, some may find adaptive ways to accommodate the ADHD as they mature.

Clinical Trials

• Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide
• NINDS Clinical Trials

Patient Organizations

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Child Neurology Foundation

Learning Disabilities Association of America

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Publications

 

Order NINDS Publications